Threads app
 | |
Type of site | Social Networking Service |
|---|---|
| Available in | 31 languages |
| Founded | July 5, 2023 |
| Area served | United States and 99 other countries (excluding the European Union) |
| Owner | Meta Platforms |
| Website | threads |
| Native client(s) on | iOS & Android Users |
Threads is an online social media and networking service owned by Meta Platforms, an American technology company. Developed as a closely integrated companion to Instagram, Threads allows users to share text, images, and videos while engaging with other users' posts through replies, reposts and likes.[1] To use Threads, users must have an Instagram account with the same handle.[2] The application offers full functionality on iOS and Android devices, with limited features accessible through the web version. On July 5, Threads was officially launched in numerous countries, pending regulatory approval in the European Union. Within two days, the platform amassed a staggering 80 million users, establishing itself as the fastest-growing platform in human history.[3]
History
Threads, a social media app developed by Instagram, was initially launched in October 2019 for Android and iOS devices. The app offered messaging and video chat functions, resembling features found on Snapchat. However, the version was discontinued in December 2021.[4]
In 2022, following entrepreneur Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter and subsequent changes to its content moderation policies, users started seeking alternative microblogging services.[5] This prompted discussions among Meta Platforms employees about creating a separate app for Instagram Notes, a text-based feature planned for Instagram. Development of this app, internally referred to as "Project 92" or "P92," began in January 2023.[6]
The app officially launched on July 5 for both iOS and Android devices. Users could download and access the full functionality of Threads through the mobile app.[7] Additionally, a web version was also made available, albeit with limited features compared to the mobile app.[8]
Features
With its launch, Threads offers users to participate in messaging and video chats, distinguishing itself from Instagram by focusing more on conversations than visual content.[9] Users could log in using their Instagram accounts and share text updates, engaging in public discussions.[10] The app's design resembles the comment section of Instagram but incorporates features similar to Twitter, including the option to reply to and re-share posts. Notably, Threads allows users to create posts with up to 500 characters, exceeding Twitter's 280-character limit. Additionally, users can include links in their posts and upload up to 10 photos or videos, with videos having a maximum duration of 5 minutes. These features aim to provide users with a versatile platform for expressing their thoughts and engaging in discussions in a more text-focused environment.[11]
Account
Signing up for Instagram Threads is a straightforward process, and its initial success can be attributed to leveraging Instagram's existing user base of 2.35 billion.[12] By signing up with their existing Instagram accounts, users can conveniently skip the hassle of providing personal details, as even their bio can be automatically transferred.[13] However, it's important to note that if users choose to terminate their Threads account, they must delete their associated Instagram account as well. Deleting the Instagram account will result in the removal of all data and content associated with both platforms.[14]
To join Threads, simply download the app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, launch it, and tap on "Log in with Instagram." Then, hit the "Import from Instagram" button to get started. Upon joining, users will receive an ID based on their rank, determined at the time of their app registration. This ID will appear as a badge under the user's name or username on their Instagram profile, indicating to followers that they are a Threads user. Additionally, users under the age of 18 will have a default private profile.[15]
Using Instagram Threads will feel familiar to Twitter users, and if they import their Instagram followers, they will recognize some of them in their feed. Users can interact with their posts or create their own by tapping on the pencil icon in the bottom navigation bar.[16]
References
- ↑ "Explained | What should you know about Meta's social media app Threads?". The Hindu. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Ramirez-Simon, Diana (9 July 2023). "Rightwing figures sign up for Meta's Threads app 'within 24 hours' of release". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Introducing Threads: A New Way to Share With Text". Meta. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Explained | What should you know about Meta's social media app Threads?". The Hindu. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Threads becomes fastest growing social media app". India Today. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Saini, Neha (10 July 2023). "Threads vs Twitter: Elon Musk calls Mark Zuckberberg a 'cuck' as Threads nears 100mn users". mint. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Threads app is not for news, politics? Then what is it? Instagram CEO surprises with answer". HT Tech. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Why the Threads app from Instagram is not available in Europe right now". The Indian Express. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Threads set to cross 100 million users as Twitter traffic dips". The Economic Times. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Threads' 'blockbuster' opening, India leads the way in downloads". The Times of India. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Shrivastava, Rashi. "'Like Gen Z's Takeover Of Twitter': Creators React To Threads, Meta's New Social App". Forbes. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Roth, Emma (5 July 2023). "Instagram's Threads: all the updates on the new Twitter competitor". The Verge. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Threads Users 'Trapped' As They Realize You Can't Delete The App Without Deleting Instagram Too". Bored Panda. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Want to delete your Threads account? Your Instagram account will have to go too". The Indian Express. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Zuckerberg's Threads vs Musk's Twitter: 10 major differences". mint. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Hines, Kristi (10 July 2023). "Threads App Reaches 100 Million Users In Under A Week, Sets New Record". Search Engine Journal. Retrieved 10 July 2023.